By Rick Cohen, 9:00 am on November 11, 2016

Post-stroke caregivers in Milwaukee, WI, who want to serve seniors a healthy and hearty meal on Thanksgiving may feel limited with the options that are available for those who recently experienced a cardiovascular event. Fortunately, there are several nutritious and heart-healthy options available that are packed with natural ingredients and are good enough to go back for seconds.

The key to serving a healthy Thanksgiving dinner to someone who has experienced a stroke is to opt for dishes that have low cholesterol and low salt. You can begin celebrating the holiday with a iron-rich spinach salad that features fresh sprouts and avocados, which will bring a taste of California to the dinner table. Sides can include vegan creamed corn, which requires coconut milk to be used instead of heavy fattening cream to create an incredible texture and flavor. Basil cranberry sauce is also ideal to serve with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner because it doesn’t contain added sugar. All you need to sweeten the sauce is some all-natural apple juice.

Instead of allowing your senior loved one to load up on carbs when they’re ready to indulge in stuffing, choose to serve kale and butternut squash stuffing. This is an easy recipe to prepare that is a favorite among vegetarians during Thanksgiving. Pumpkin cheddar muffins will also prove to be savory and satisfying side your senior loved one will love.

While turkey is a lean meat, we often overseason it during the holidays. Cranberry pecan-stuffed pork chops are a healthier alternative to turkey and gravy for seniors recovering from a heart attack or stroke. Just remember to stick to herbs like rosemary and sage while seasoning the pork and avoid excess butter, salt and pepper.

Don’t forget dessert. Live-in Milwaukee home caregivers can prepare tasty coconut macaroons, which are easier to make than pie and only contain egg whites, honey, vanilla extract, coconut flakes, and coconut oil. Those who want to stick to tradition can bake peach rosemary crisp, which uses juicy peaches, agave syrup, and whole wheat flour.

Just because your senior loved one needs to watch what he or she eats doesn’t mean he or she can’t enjoy a tasty Thanksgiving meal. Learn more about healthy alternatives for seniors recovering from stroke or heart attack by calling Home Care Assistance at (262) 782-3383. We provide flexible live-in, hourly and respite at-home care Milwaukee families trust to help seniors recover quickly and efficiently from injury and illness. Let us customize an individualized care plan for your loved one today.